Norman_E
Well-known member
This thread on Scuttlebutt mentions Vesconite as a material for rudder bearings. I looked on the Vesconite website, and it looks very suitable for cutless bearings. Has anyone tried it?
Vesconite cutless bearing?
- Thread starter Norman_E
- Start date
ianabc
New member
see YM Scuttlebutt posts...
Rudder bearing - Peeved at cost.subject
Rudder bearing - Peeved at cost.subject
Last edited:
onesea
Well-known member
Same here any one tried them as CUTLASS Bearings?
Rudder bearings and cutlass bearings 2 different applications.
Neil_Y
Well-known member
I speak as a supplier of a composite bearing material. There are a number of plastic and composite bearing materials now that differ significantly in their performance due to varying factors of thermal and moisture expansion as well as whether they are melting or non melting and if they have leaching /non leaching or low friction additives.
For the simple water lubricated shaft bearing wear happens when the shaft is starting or running down (it should be sitting on a water film at operating revs) it is dry running at this point or running on a marginal water film.
I think that most are better than rubber as a bearing surface but you have to make sure you apply the manufacturers clearances as they will be different for different materials. They all have a degree of moisture absorption but more significant is the thermal expansion and if the material softens as it warms up.
It's a complex subject but there are now materials developed for marine environments which we have seen extend water lubricated shaft bearing life by 3 or 4 times. Southern UK estuary and open water commercial use.
For the simple water lubricated shaft bearing wear happens when the shaft is starting or running down (it should be sitting on a water film at operating revs) it is dry running at this point or running on a marginal water film.
I think that most are better than rubber as a bearing surface but you have to make sure you apply the manufacturers clearances as they will be different for different materials. They all have a degree of moisture absorption but more significant is the thermal expansion and if the material softens as it warms up.
It's a complex subject but there are now materials developed for marine environments which we have seen extend water lubricated shaft bearing life by 3 or 4 times. Southern UK estuary and open water commercial use.
G12
Member
Care to elaborate?
Monique
Active member
I have no knowledge for this type of application.
Perhaps contact XPC bearings for some information? (only suggested because I know them and they gave me good service)
GL
Perhaps contact XPC bearings for some information? (only suggested because I know them and they gave me good service)
GL
Neil_Y
Well-known member
Plymouth Pilot boat "Maker" had used nitrile rubber bearings for water lubricated shaft bearings.
This is a commercial vesel operating in the shallow estuary (mud and silt) of the Cattewater and open water in the sound.
These were typically in need of replacement at 6-7 months, Maritex Aquarius bearings were fitted june/July 2010, inspected after 15 months showing less than 1.00mm radial displacement (RD). Maritex replacement suggested at 1.27mm RD. Anticipated replacement expected at around 21 months. New ID on 50.80 shaft was 51.08mm (0.18RD), replacement suggested at 52.07.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxfTfafFhPY
This is a commercial vesel operating in the shallow estuary (mud and silt) of the Cattewater and open water in the sound.
These were typically in need of replacement at 6-7 months, Maritex Aquarius bearings were fitted june/July 2010, inspected after 15 months showing less than 1.00mm radial displacement (RD). Maritex replacement suggested at 1.27mm RD. Anticipated replacement expected at around 21 months. New ID on 50.80 shaft was 51.08mm (0.18RD), replacement suggested at 52.07.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxfTfafFhPY
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